HC Deb 26 June 1992 vol 210 cc347-8W
Mr. David Shaw

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will state the cost of(a) raising the disregard on war disability pension from £10 to £15 and (b) abolishing the disregard on war disability pension.

Mr. Burt

The cost of raising the disregard on war disability pension from £10 to £15 across the income-related benefits is estimated to be around £5 million a year. Abolishing the disregard on war disability pension would save around £15 million a year.

Note: Modelled using data drawn from the 1987–88–89 Family Expenditure Surveys and the 1990 Annual Statistical Enquiry. Figures are rounded to the nearest £5 million.

Mr. David Shaw

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on war disability pension and the disregard amount.

Mr. Burt

The £10 statutory disregard of war disablement pensions applies across the income-related benefits. Local authorities also have a discretionary power to enhance this disregard at their own expense in calculating entitlement to housing benefit and community charge benefit. We have no plans to change these arrangements.